Swimrun Gear: A Complete Guide
Updated for 2024! It has been a bit since we have updated this guide and we have done a ton more testing and racing with different gear, so this guide got an upgrade!
Swimrun gear is a complex subject and everyone has different opinions of what you need and what you don’t. The goal of this guide is to layout the basics to have for someone get started with Swimrun. We’ll also give you a few options for each gear category based on gear we’ve tried to help get you started. For some categories of gear we have full “Gear Talk” episodes if you really want to dive in deep.
What do you wear to a Swimrun?
When you’re ready to try Swimrun you will need to use some gear to get started. The gear consist of a few main components, each gear category is broken down in greater detail later in the guide.
Swimrun Wetsuit
Swimrun Shoes
Swimrun Pull Buoy (Optional but highly recommended)
Swim Paddles (Optional but recommended depending on your overall swim fitness)
Swim Goggles
Shin/ Lower body floats (Optional)
Tether
Swimrun Undergarments
Socks
Mandatory Swimrun Race Gear
Swimrun Wetsuit
The most essential piece of your Swimrun kit is your wetsuit. Swimrun-specific wetsuits typically have a front zipper (and sometimes a bonus zipper in the back), varied sleeve lengths (Long, short, sleeveless or removable), and are cut just above the knees. Swimrun wetsuits follow the “Goldilocks Rule;" some are made more for running, some more of swimming, and some that are right in the middle. These wetsuits will also come in varied thicknesses for different temperature conditions. Finally, most wetsuits do come in gender specific fit and sizing.
There are several things to take into account when you are choosing a Swimrun wetsuit. Cost, durability, storage (suit pockets), and fit are at the top of the list. Some of the higher end suits are light and fast but not very durable so they are not great for training. Some are very thick and are great for cold water conditions but you’ll burn up in warmer races.
Here are some questions we would ask when looking to get a new Swimrun wetsuit:
Do I need more lower body/run movement in my wetsuit?
Do I need usually get really cold after a longer swim (30+ mins)?
Do I need pockets to carry around nutrition and hydration?
As we test out more and more suits and they continue to evolve we have broken some swimrun suits into separate categories to be more helpful no matter what level you are at in your swimrun journey.
Best Entry Level Swimrun Wetsuit:
If you are just getting into swimrun and don’t want to break the bank, sub $250, these wetsuits will suit you just fine! If you are interested in some preloved swimrun gear be sure to join our Swimrun Swap Meet group on Facebook.
Orca Vanir: Very solid entry level wetsuit from Orca. Solid construction, good running forward bottom half, and comes with arm sleeves!
Synergy Swimrun Wetsuit: Another solid wetsuit option that is closer to the $200 mark. Doesn’t come with arm sleeves. Check out our YouTube review and impressions of the Synergy Swimrun Wetsuit.
We also have some reviews for some popular entry level suits as well.
Best Mid Level Swimrun Wetsuit
Have a few extra bucks to invest in a wetsuit? Or you are looking to get a bit more flexibility on the run? You are a perfect fit for a mid level swimrun wetsuit. You can expect more premium materials in these suits which helps make them lighter and more flexible. These are wetsuits between $250-$500.
Ark Sports Korp 2022: It’s no secret that Ark makes some of the best swimrun wetsuits out there and the Korp (2022 version) is no exception. You will enjoy more freedom during your runs and a better fit with Ark’s anti-leak construction.
Ark Sports Uto (past season): This is an older season’s model which means you can score one at a discount! The Uto is one of our favorites as it is lightweight and fast!
Best High End Swimrun Wetsuit
Ark Uto (2022 Version): If you are looking for the best of the best with the newest technology you can stop right here. The Uto (2022 Version) has Ark’s stellar Running++ bottoms which provide you a very free running experience. An upgrade and update for this suit version is the new internal pockects on both sides of the suit. We have been loving these pockets and used them for Ötillo. They also have updated the back pockets to make them more accessible during swimruns.
Best Sleeveless Swimrun Wetsuit
Ark Uto Air: If you need unlimited flexibility and freedom on your shoulders and arms this is the suit for you! This suit was worn by Oscar Olsson and Adriel Young during their 2021 Ötillo Swimrun World Championship win. This suit also has Ark’s Running++ bottoms which are best in class for running performance.
BEst Swimrun Wetsuit for Cold Weather
Let’s face it swimrun is usually cold business. In and out of chilly ocean waters and sometimes the air temp won’t have the ability to warm you up. You might need some help from a wetsuit built for some colder weather. Ark has really pushed this area forward with their flagship wetsuit the Orno X.
Ark Orno X (2022 Version):
Ark Orno X (Previous Version): If you can score this suit on a discount or second hand it is still an amazing suit that will do a better job at keeping you warm. Check out our YouTube overview for this wetsuit.
Orca Aesir Thermal Men Swimrun Wetsuit: We are still testing this one out, but have been impressed with Orca’s new swimrun wetsuit range this season.
Swimrun Shoes
There are some global considerations to take into account when deciding on Swimrun shoes.
Drainage
Tread and Grip
Cushioning/Stack Height
Buoyancy
Good Fit
Particle Size Impermeability/Water Permeability
Shoes are an individual decision and there are a lot of options to chose from. It’s best to start with what you currently have and experiment in training to make sure that they meet all or most of the general considerations mentioned above. If you have a couple of shoes that work well, all the better for injury prevention and for having options depending on the terrain of your next Swimrun event.
In general, you shouldn’t do anything different for Swimrun than you wouldn’t do for trail running. If you’ve never run in Hokas or minimal shoes, then you shouldn’t go all in because there is a risk of injury.
Here is an updated list for 2023 of the shoes we have been using in the last season of training and racing.
Best Swimrun Shoes for 2023
VJ Ultra 2: Updated with a rock plate. The most grip we have see on a shoe. A bit more cushion as well than some of the other VJ shoes.
adidas Men's Terrex Speed Ultra: This shoe is becoming one of the most popular swimrun shoes for the 2022 season! Fast and an exceptional grip!
Check out our Shoedown episode for a complete breakdown on everything Swimrun shoes on our Gear Talk show. Here’s a list of the shoes mentioned on the show:
(You’ll see an * for shoes that we’ve tried and used for training and/or events and would recommend.)
Swimrun Pull Buoy
This is our favorite part of the Swimrun kit! The pull buoy should be a staple of every kit and there are some general considerations to sort out when choosing a pull buoy.
Swimming-enhancement properties
Comfort while running
Mounting position (easy mount/lasso mount or side/ leg mount)
In general, the bigger the pull buoy the better and the faster you will be in the water. Depending on your mounting position some people might prefer to have a smaller buoy than the legal maximum. Keep in mind that the maximum Swimrun pull buoy size for ÖTILLÖ events is 32 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm. We suspect that other Swimrun events will use the same standard.
Here are some of the Swimrun pull buoys that we have tried and recommend:
Ark Sports Keel: If you just want to get one pull buoy you cannot go wrong with the Ark Keel. This is a worthwhile upgrade if you are coming from just a regular swim buoy and will take your swims to the next level!
Ark Sports Keel+: Similar to the Keel this is a great buoy for folks who want the most buoyancy possible. This is the pull buoy used by the Low Tide Boyz for all training and racing.
Ark Sports Keel S: If you are on the smaller side or don’t need a ton of flotation you should check out the Keel S. Just like the Keel only smaller!
Ark Sports Pontoon: If you don’t like the foam options check out this pontoon plastic buoy from Ark. There are a few other versions of this type of buoy around as well from various brands.
TYR Pull Float
You can check out our full review of the Ark Sports Keel Pull Buoy and the Ark Keel+ on our Gear Talk show.
You will need to mount your pull buoy, so be sure to check out our YouTube videos to help you with that!
Swimrun Paddles
Swimrun paddles are an easy and cheap way to move faster in the water. Swim paddles do take a little bit of getting used to, but once you get some good practice and build strength they make a huge difference. We recommend choosing paddles with a finger and wrist rubber strap. This will make sure they fit you well and not fly off your hand during an event.
Pro-tip: Pack extra paddle straps in case one breaks during a race. We attach the extra straps to the bonus holes in the paddle to keep them easily accessible.
Here are a few of the paddles that we’ve used and would recommend:
Frank Paddle Carbon Fiber Swimrun Paddles: The best of the best. If you are looking to be as fast as possible on your swim you need to check out Frank Paddles. These are hand crafted carbon fiber swim paddles from Sweden. We have been using Frank Paddles for the last several seasons and only have amazing things to say. They are going to be a bit on the pricey side, but well worth it!
ARK Sports Blade:
Strokemaker Swim Paddles: Basic hard plastic swim paddles for $20, what else can you ask for?
Check out our discussion all about Swim Paddles on our Gear Talk show.
Goggles
Swimruns take place in open water such as oceans, lakes, and rivers. Any googles that you feel comfortable within open water are generally fine to use. One pro-tip is to make sure that you can adjust your goggles while keeping your swim paddles on. Some of the minimalist goggles might be hard to adjust and could cost you time if you need to drain them from water during a swim leg of a race. Once you find a pair you like you will never change.
Here are a few options for goggles that we’ve used and liked:
Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggles
Magic5 Goggles
Shin/ Lower body floats
Some Swimrunners opt to use shin or other lower body floats. These are sometimes neoprene calf sleeves or even pieces of foam you can slide into your socks or tie on your shoes. The shin floats do also help against rocks, brush, and other prickly things you will run your shins into during a Swimrun. While they do provide some flotation, we’ve found that if you are using a large pull buoy, there’s no real need for shin floats other than for protection or warmth.
Tether
The tether, or tow line, is essentially a 3m (or roughly 10ft) cord that Swimrun teams use to stay in contact with each other in the water and land. The genesis for the tether, according to legendary Swimrunner Jonas Colting, was to keep teams safe and in contact during the original Ötillö race, which in the early years took teams 18+ hours to finish. While tethers aren’t mandatory at every race, most teams will opt to use one for longer distance events. The majority of teams DIY their Swimrun tethers and we recommend using quick release carabiners to attach it at both ends for, um, quick release. The length of a tether can vary depending on comfort level, but typically you want it just long enough so that you stay on your partner’s feet in the water. (PRO TIP: If the tether is too long during a race, make a knot on the line during the next run leg.) Teams then attach each end to their wetsuit—some suits have integrated loops for attachment—or to a waist utility belt a la Batman. As with anything Swimrun, you should experiment in training to see what works best for you.
We recommend getting a bright color that will be easily spotted in the water. Here is the cord we use for our tether:
Learn more about the Swimrun tether in our Tether 101 episode and on our Swimrun column in Triathlete Magazine.
Swimrun Undergarments
There are some global considerations when thinking about what to wear under your Swimrun wetsuit that you should run through to make your training and race experiences as pleasant as possible.
Chaffing Abatement
Warmth
Storage Capacity
“Bogginess” (wet diaper effect)
Chaffing a big issue so we broke this down a bit. Body Glide, Vaseline, 2Toms Sports Shield or Tri Slide are essential to try to keep your wetsuit from chaffing your neck, arms or thighs. Lubing up the neck, armpits, any other opening, bra line, and the “nether regions.” Another option to keep chafing at bay, which we learned from Team Envol Baywatch, is the use Rocktape or KT Tape around the neckline where the wetsuit would make contact. Chaffing is annoying and can get debilitating the longer the event. Take it seriously and avoid it like your life (or at least your skin’s life) depends on it!
You can learn more about all things Swimrun Undergarments on our Gear Talk show.
Socks for Swimrun
Socks might seem like an odd topic for Swimrun, but it is one of our most requested gear recommendations. Socks play a key role in Swimrun. They help protect your shins and lower legs from rocks, debris, sticks, and other random things you encounter during a Swimrun. Some folks opt for the calf length and other for the full knee-high socks. We recommend NOT using cotton socks or socks that have extra padding or cushioning in the footbed or toes (to prevent bogginess). Using a wicking sock like a thin running or cycling sock that is higher than ankle length is the way to go. Ankle socks could lead to getting more rocks or sand in your shoes.
Here are some socks that we have used and recommend.
Gococo (the official sock of Ötillö)
Stance (the run infiknit socks)
Swiftwick (Aspire is the best model that we’ve found for Swimrun)
You can learn more about all things Swimrun Undergarments on our Gear Talk show.
Mandatory Swimrun Gear
Most, if not all, Swimrun events require teams to carry mandatory items with them during a race. The mandatory items usually include the following: (Ötillö requires all the following)
First aid pressure bandage, packed waterproof (1 per team)
Wetsuits (legs and torso in one piece), suitable for the current water temperature
Whistles (1 per person, easily accessible so you are able to use it during the swims)
Foldable cups/soft flasks 250ml or similar (we recommend 1 or 2 per person)
We’ve never had to use one but we carry the following Swimrun pressure bandage in our kit:
Whistles come standard with most Swimrun wetsuits and are either built-in or attached to the zipper, but if your suit doesn’t have one for some reason, something like this swimrun whistle will do the trick.
Because Swimrun teams have to carry their nutrition on board and most races are cup-less, making sure that you can get hydration at an energy station is very important since carrying a standard water bottle while swimming and running can be problematic.
Here are some of the foldable cups/soft flasks that we have used and recommend:
HydraPak SoftFlask 150ml (best for gels)
HydraPak SoftFlask 250ml (better for liquids)
Swimrun GPS Watch
If you care about timing and recording your workouts, then there are a couple of things to consider when choosing a GPS watch. Most multi-sport/triathlon watches will likely work but you may need to define custom settings to make it work during an event seamlessly. As far as we know, Garmin is the only company that has Swimrun-specific settings built-in as a preset.
Here are the models of Garmin watches that we have used and would recommend:
Check out our Gear Talk episode all about GPS Wearables for Swimrun.
Solo Swimrun Gear
While Swimrun is generally a team/partner sport, there are events that offer solo categories. (Check out our episode all about Swimrun partners) For solo divisions, most events will require a personal swim buoy to be worn.
Here are some of the different types of buoys that we’ve used and recommend:
New Wave Swim Buoy
Blueseventy Buddy Bag
Orca Safety Buoy
That pretty much covers the gear you need to get started on your journey into Swimrun. As with all our gear advice, use what you have and then go from there. We will be sure to keep this list updated with recommendations, links to Gear Talk Swimrun gear reviews and more as the Swimrun gear evolves.